We are Hiring!

Position Title: Grants & Fundraising Coordinator  (Part-time employee, 12 hrs per week, $45/hr )

Organization: Food Forest Collective  

Location: Beacon Food Forest, Seattle, Washington (Hybrid: in-person & remote) 

Reports To: Board of Directors

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About Food Forest Collective

The Food Forest Collective is a nonprofit committed to fostering sustainable, community-driven food systems at the Beacon Food Forest in Seattle. We strive for a resilient and fair local food ecosystem, empowering individuals and communities to care for the land, grow food, and participate in ecological restoration. Guided by the principles of Care for the Earth, Care for the People, and Fair Share for All, our mission centers on food justice, land stewardship, and climate restoration.

About Beacon Food Forest

The Beacon Food Forest in Seattle is a public, community-driven urban garden that offers a sustainable and inclusive space for public land stewardship. As one of the largest food forests in the U.S., it blends permaculture principles with ecological restoration, providing free, accessible food for the local community while promoting environmental stewardship and education. www.beaconfoodforest.org

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Position Overview

The Grants & Fundraising Coordinator will play a key role in advancing the Beacon Food Forest's funding strategies by supporting grant writing, fundraising initiatives, research, and reporting, in close collaboration with the Grants & Fundraising Committee. This position plays a key role in building relationships with funders, ensuring the effective allocation of resources, and collaborating with staff and volunteers to meet fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental justice, community-building, and the mission of the Food Forest Collective.

This position is hybrid with a mix of in-person meetings and remote work. The coordinator will spend time working closely with the Grants & Fundraising Committee, including the Site & Project Director, Community Relations Director, and a team of volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Grant Writing & Research (6 hours/week, Remote)

   • Conduct research to identify new grant opportunities, foundation partners, and corporate sponsorships aligned with the Food Forest Collective’s goals.

   • Write compelling grant proposals and applications in collaboration with the grant writing team, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and funding requirements.

   • Maintain a grant calendar, tracking deadlines for proposals and reports.

   • Manage grant reporting, including compiling financial and narrative reports on the progress of funded projects.

   • Collaborate with staff and volunteers to gather data and outcomes for reporting purposes.

2. Meetings & Collaboration (2 hours/week, Hybrid)

   • Participate in regular meetings with internal teams, including staff, board members, and volunteers, to provide updates on fundraising efforts and grant application progress and, to provide support in strategic planning and decision-making regarding grant opportunities and funding priorities.

   • Clarify roles with Site & Project Director and Community Relations Director regarding grant deliverables, ensuring proper collaboration and division of responsibilities.

   • Support volunteer efforts related to grants and fundraising, helping to ensure they understand the application, reporting, and event tasks.

3. Communications & Reporting (1 hour/week, Remote)

   • Communicate effectively via email and Slack to update the team on grant-related tasks and progress.

   • Provide concise monthly updates to the board of directors and share success stories with internal teams to maintain engagement and support.

   • Build and maintain relationships with potential and current funders to sustain a long-term funding base.

4. Fundraising Project Support (3 hours/week, Hybrid)

   • Assist with the planning and execution of key fundraising events, including the Food Forest Collective’s annual auction and other fundraising campaigns.

   • Coordinate logistics for fundraising events, including tracking donations, managing event registration, and helping with follow-up communications to donors.

   • Support outreach efforts to secure auction items, sponsors, and donors for fundraising events.

   • Help develop and maintain a donor stewardship plan, ensuring regular communication and engagement with key supporters.

Key Qualifications & Requirements 

• Experience & Skills

  • A minimum of 2 years professional experience in grant writing and fundraising required.

  • Proven success in grant writing and fundraising for nonprofit organizations.

  • Familiarity with research tools and platforms for identifying potential funders.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and well-researched proposals.

  • Knowledge of grant reporting requirements and ability to organize and track data.

  • Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams and volunteers.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Fundraising Project Support

  • Experience supporting or coordinating fundraising events, such as auctions, benefit dinners, or community fundraising campaigns.

  • Ability to assist with the planning and execution of Food Forest Collective’s annual auction and other fundraising initiatives.

  • Skills to develop materials and communications to promote fundraising events, including donor outreach and event collateral.

  • Ability to collaborate with team members and volunteers to ensure successful fundraising outcomes.

• Knowledge & Passion

  • A passion for community-driven projects, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

  • Understanding of food systems, urban agriculture, or environmental stewardship is a plus.

  • Ability to navigate the complexities of nonprofit grant-making and manage multiple priorities.

• Technical Skills

  • Proficiency with Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite, and grant management software (e.g., Foundant, Fluxx, etc.).

  • Comfort using communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and email platforms.

Desired qualifications:

• A deep commitment to food justice, racial justice, health equity, and community empowerment.

• Familiarity with the structure of grassroots organizations and of collective decision making.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse community members, organizations, and stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

• Proficiency with email, Slack, Google Drive, Google Suite and basic data management tools.

Work Schedule & Compensation

• Schedule: 12 hours/week (flexible, hybrid work environment)  

• Compensation:$45/hr

• Start Date: As soon as possible  

• Location: Hybrid, with some required in-person meetings in Seattle, WA.  

Apply via this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMRo1kIAoB7hwr0RL3wZeNgmuiUz7RMva_TJO_5zmzBfDwvQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Use the form to upload your resume and cover letter. If applying to the Grants & Fundraising position, you must also upload a writing sample (preferably related to grants or fundraising). In your cover letter, tell us why you're passionate about the mission of the Food Forest Collective and how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Application is open until July 6th, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Food Forest Collective is an equal opportunity employer and we value diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Beacon Food Forest encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.